Injured De Villiers to miss Australia series

Johannesburg, Sept 30: Dashing South African batsman AB de Villiers will be missing South Africa's T20 and ODI series against Australia due to fractured middle finger of his left hand during fielding practice with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday.

The extent of injury is such that he will be out of action for a period between four to six weeks.

"He saw a hand surgeon this morning and will undergo an operation tomorrow [Friday] where they will insert a pin or a plate to stabilise the finger," team manager Mohammad Moosajee told ESPNCricinfo.

Gary Kirsten's stint as head coach couldn't have started in a more unfortunate manner as he will have to do without his captain in shorter formats.

"AB's injury does not only affect the captaincy, its also the wicketkeeper and a top-order batsman," chairman of selection committee Andrew Hudson said.